The Dental Marketer

Nonprofit partnerships could be your new secret to building an unshakeable reputation in your local community!In this episode, Michael pulls back the curtain on why people trust causes more than advertising—and how dental practices can borrow that trust to spark greater engagement and genuine social proof. You’ll discover the psychology behind strategic nonprofit collaborations, learning why this is more than marketing—it's a calculated reputation-building move that offers real return for your practice.Michael walks step-by-step through selecting the nonprofits that match your mission, the art of reaching out with value-first templates, and crafting partnerships that go far beyond occasional donations. You’ll get his proven three-phase partnership framework—visibility, activation, and sustained engagement—plus hard-won lessons on common pitfalls and how to avoid campaigns that fall flat. With tracking tools, growth strategies, and access to bonus resources through the ground marketing course, you'll leave equipped to turn community goodwill into lasting patient loyalty!What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why nonprofit partnerships create trust and social proof unmatched by advertisingHow to choose the right local nonprofit for maximum mission alignment and outreachTemplates for reaching out and starting partnerships that spark reciprocityStep-by-step tactics for developing campaign-based collaborations, not just one-off donationsThe three-phase framework to move from visibility to deep community tiesPitfalls to sidestep so your partnership creates impact, not noiseMethods for tracking real ROI and planning for scalable, long-term partnershipsTune in now to build real community bonds and watch your practice grow from the inside out!‍‍Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:Website: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

Get the "Weekend Dominator Strategy ( How to turn your schedule into your greatest marketing tool)" for FREE here!‍Discover how this dentist used high-tech innovation and low-overhead strategies—powered by his love for video games—to build his startup from the ground up!In this episode, Dr. Tej Shah invites us into his multifaceted world, sharing how his early love for gaming and programming evolved into a drive for innovation in dentistry. You’ll hear about his journey from designing games and solving engineering puzzles at Lockheed Martin to navigating rigorous coursework at Carnegie Mellon and Tufts—all before taking the leap to open his own dental practice in Ashland, Massachusetts. Dr. Shah candidly shares what made him leave a secure tech path behind, and how seeing limitations in traditional dental software inspired him to develop his own Linux-based system tailored to real clinical needs.But that’s just the start. Dr. Shah unpacks the creative marketing tactics—like hosting "Smash Bros" tournaments—and bold decisions, like offering dental care on weekends, that set his practice apart. He discusses the operational challenges, from wrestling with insurance claims to building a reliable team, all while keeping overhead surprisingly low. Through it all, Dr. Shah’s commitment to innovation and genuine patient care anchors his advice for anyone blending technology and entrepreneurship: help people first, and the success will follow.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why Dr. Shah traded a tech career for dentistry—and what fueled the transitionCreative strategies for attracting patients, beyond traditional marketingThe advantages of custom, open-source (Linux) dental software in running a modern practiceHow to balance practice ownership with independent software developmentPractical lessons in managing staff, insurance, and keeping costs downInsights on making your business stand out—like weekend hours and community eventsTune in now for an inspiring blend of tech ingenuity, creative grit, and real-world lessons in building a unique dental practice from scratch.‍‍Guest: Dr. Tej ShahPractice Name: Zen Family DentalCheck out Tej's Media:‍Website: zenfamily.dentalEmail: tshah.dental@gmail.comEmail: clear.dental.floss@proton.meReddit: reddit.com/user/DesiOtaku‍Clear.Dental Software: clear.dental‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

What if one afternoon could fill your Invisalign schedule and turn your practice into a buzzing local hotspot—all without relying on social media algorithms?This episode dives into the blueprint for hosting a high-converting Invisalign Day using battle-tested ground marketing strategies. You’ll discover why simply putting up a few flyers or sending out generic emails rarely moves the needle—and how a proactive approach, rooted in real-world connection, creates true urgency and trust among prospective patients. We show the psychology behind exclusive invitations, the artistry of approaching local businesses, and the secrets to transforming event day into a VIP experience that excites your community and your team alike.From scriptwriting that instantly wins over business owners to sensory details that make would-be patients feel valued as soon as they step through your door, every step is crafted for measurable results. Learn how to brief your team for seamless execution, leverage in-person energy for genuine engagement, and follow up with intentionality to turn interest into signed treatment plans. By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped to turn Invisalign Days into a signature tradition that elevates your practice’s reputation and fills your books—quarter after quarter.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How to design an Invisalign Day that inspires immediate action, not just window shoppingThe most common marketing pitfalls that lead to empty events—and how to avoid themWhy ground marketing outperforms digital tactics for high-quality patient leadsWhich local businesses are goldmines for high-intent prospective patientsA step-by-step outreach script that creates win-win partnerships with local venuesProven psychological triggers to drive urgency and exclusivity for your eventIn-office strategies to create a memorable, VIP patient experienceThe importance of team rehearsals and specific roles for flawless event deliveryFollow-up frameworks to ensure curiosity turns into actual casesTune in now to transform your next Invisalign Day from a hopeful event to your practice’s ultimate patient magnet!‍‍Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:Website: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment‍For more helpful tips, strategies, ideas, and marketing advice, join my weekly newsletter here.The Dental Marketer Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2031814726927041‍

In a fascinating discussion, Dana Moss, a seasoned expert in PPO insurance allowables, shares her extensive knowledge from over two decades in negotiation. She unveils secrets to significantly enhancing dental practice revenue, emphasizing the importance of mastering PPO negotiations. Listeners learn about strategic timing, effective fee balancing, and utilizing percentile data for smarter pricing. Dana also highlights the necessity of building strong relationships with insurance reps and the advantage of maintaining organized communication for successful outcomes.

Ever felt discouraged after being turned away by a local business, wondering if your efforts in ground marketing were truly worth it? This episode of the Ground Marketing Series unpacks why the most successful marketers are the ones who keep showing up, even after a "no." We dig deep into the art and science of persistence, revealing how a single visit rarely seals the deal—but a strategic, consistent approach can turn every interaction into an ROI goldmine.Divided into actionable sections, we explain the power of psychology in persistence—from understanding gatekeepers to harnessing the familiar effect. Next, we guide you through the "Three Phases of Profitable Persistence," including scripts, mindset shifts, and tactical moves for each stage. You’ll also get practical tips for building trust cycles that turn businesses into referral sources for life. If you’re ready to move beyond transactional marketing and forge lasting partnerships, this episode is your blueprint!What You'll Learn in This Episode:Psychological secrets to overcoming initial rejections and building trust over time.How to transform your offer into a win-win opportunity for every business you visit.The three proven phases for gaining new patient referrals through persistent, respectful follow-ups.Step-by-step scripts and materials that fast-track your ground marketing process.Why maintaining "urgency without rushing" leads to dependable results.How purposeful persistence lays the groundwork for consistent ROI, not just lucky breaks.Ways to track your progress and keep follow-ups organized for maximum efficiency.Tune in now to discover how a strategic, persistent approach turns ground marketing visits into lasting patient referrals and immediate ROI!‍‍Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:Website: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment‍For more helpful tips, strategies, ideas, and marketing advice, join my weekly newsletter here.The Dental Marketer Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2031814726927041

Who’s picking up your office phone—and are they turning callers into loyal patients or missed opportunities?In this episode, we meet Eric Hubbard, founder of Pain-Free Dental Marketing, to uncover the remarkable origin story behind his company. Eric shares raw memories from his rural Oklahoma upbringing, his mother’s courageous fight with cancer, and the pivotal moment when a compassionate dentist, Dr. John Barroso, offered more than just dental care—he offered hope. Years later, this gratitude fueled Eric’s mission to help dentists thrive, leading to the creation of a marketing agency that now champions dental practices across the country.We take a candid look at what truly moves the needle for practices looking to grow. Our conversation goes beyond traditional marketing by spotlighting the critical impact of front desk staff, patient interactions, and the systems that track every touchpoint, like CallRail and integrated CRMs. Eric pulls back the curtain on how real results come from training, honest feedback, and rewarding proactive communication—not from racing to the bottom on price. The conversation closes with Eric reflecting on personal lessons learned, the value of clear communication, and his journey toward confidence and authenticity, leaving us inspired and equipped to rethink how we define success in dentistry.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Essential strategies for attracting the right dental patients in a competitive marketWhy front desk staff are the key to patient conversions and retentionThe role of call tracking and analytics in pinpointing missed opportunitiesActionable tips for training teams to communicate with empathy and curiosityHow top practices set themselves apart by leading with value, not priceWhy rewarding effective communication is more powerful than punishing mistakesInsights on integrating CRM systems for seamless patient follow-upTune in now for an inspiring look at how empathy, strategy, and storytelling can change the game for dental practices—and those they serve.‍‍Sponsors:‍CallRail: Call tracking + AI that turns calls into campaigns that convert, quality patients, and cost savings. Click our link to start a free trial today! callrail.com/dentalmarketerClick here for a special offer!Guest: Eric HubbardBusiness Name: Pain-Free Dental MarketingCheck out Eric's Media:‍Website: painfreedentalmarketing.com‍Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!‍Host: Michael Arias‍Website: The Dental Marketer For more helpful tips, strategies, ideas, and marketing advice, join my weekly newsletter here.Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍p.s. Some links are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that we have experience with these products/companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money unless you feel you need them or that they will help you with your goals.‍

What are the must-have qualities of an excellent ground marketer for your practice?This episode pulls back the curtain on the secrets to building an unstoppable ground marketing team—one that doesn’t just spread the word, but truly connects with the people you want to serve.Today we dive deep, cutting through the noise of traditional marketing to reveal why the right personalities matter more than experience. Learn how to identify individuals whose warmth, curiosity, and storytelling instincts can transform casual sidewalk encounters into loyal patients. We map out two smart structures for adding ground marketing muscle—either by hiring a dedicated coordinator or training existing staff to take on community outreach. You’ll get hands-on advice, from crafting an effective job description to structuring campaigns for consistent, measurable results. By the end, you’ll see how focused, people-powered ground marketing can yield game-changing patient growth—no flashy ad spend required.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The key personality traits that make a ground marketer truly effectiveWhy prior marketing experience isn’t a dealbreaker—and what to look for insteadHow to structure a ground marketing team, big or small, for maximum impactStrategies for recruiting and job descriptions designed to attract the right candidatesTips on training team members so they truly embody your brand’s voiceA month-by-month targeting approach for ground marketing campaignsThe real difference between ground marketing and digital ads for patient acquisitionMistakes to avoid when empowering your outreach teamTake the first step toward real, relationship-driven growth—tune in now for an inside look at building your practice’s ground marketing dream team!‍‍Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:Website: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment‍For more helpful tips, strategies, ideas, and marketing advice, join my weekly newsletter here.The Dental Marketer Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2031814726927041‍‍

Why do so many dentists feel trapped in contracts with marketing agencies that just aren’t delivering results?This episode gets right to the heart of the issue, revealing the hidden pitfalls that can turn a well-intentioned marketing investment into a costly mistake—and, most importantly, how to avoid the same fate.Ali is back on the podcast to pull back the curtain on the world of dental marketing, exposing the sneaky tactics agencies use to overcharge and overpromise. From the dangers lurking in fine print and auto-renewal clauses to the psychological manipulation that keeps dentists locked in, you’ll hear practical strategies to protect your practice, take control of your online presence, and ensure you’re never caught in “marketing handcuffs” again. Together, we empower you to ask the right questions, check contracts, and confidently transition out of any partnership that’s not serving you—with clear steps to do it the right way.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The most common ways dental marketing agencies trap dentists in restrictive, expensive contractsKey contract red flags and what to look for before signingHow to verify an agency’s credibility and the real results they can deliverWhy “losing all marketing progress” is usually just a scare tacticSteps dentists should take immediately if they’re stuck in a bad agreementThe crucial questions to ask any marketing company before committingHow to tap into peer networks for trustworthy agency feedback and reviewsDon’t let your dental practice get trapped—listen now and take back control of your marketing decisions!‍‍Sponsors: DocSites: Do you need a new website or marketing agency with no long-term contracts? Visit DocSites' website here and be sure to mention The Dental Marketer for $500 off! docsites.com‍Guest: Ali SoufiBusiness Name: The DocSitesCheck out Ali's Media:‍Website: docsites.comEmail: ali@docsites.comPhone: 818-616-3919‍Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!‍Host: Michael Arias‍Website: The Dental Marketer Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Please don't forget to share with us on Instagram when you are listening to the podcast AND if you are really wanting to show us love, then please leave a 5 star review on iTunes! [Click here to leave a review on iTunes]‍p.s. Some links are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that we have experience with these products/companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money unless you feel you need them or that they will help you with your goals.

Imagine your ground marketing efforts echoing through your community long after in-person events end—all thanks to smart social media strategies.In this episode, we unpack the often-overlooked connection between in-person ground marketing and dynamic social media engagement. We reveal how to ensure your impact lingers far beyond the event, making your practice more recognizable and trusted both online and offline. By sharing three core reasons why ground marketing needs a digital extension—like how quickly in-person impressions can fade and why modern patients always cross-check online before committing—we spotlight the powerful role that a thoughtful social media plan plays in building credibility and community trust.In this episode, you'll discover "The Mirroring Strategy," a step-by-step approach for capturing the energy, stories, and human connections from ground marketing events and skillfully amplifying them across digital channels. We illustrate actionable methods to transform a single live interaction into a series of effective posts—moving from real-time excitement to thoughtful follow-ups and valuable educational insights. Plus, we share the exact tools and frameworks successful practices use to increase visibility, engagement, and conversions, all while monitoring the real metrics that matter. If you’re ready to finally bridge offline impact with online influence, this episode is your blueprint!What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why ground marketing is incomplete without a digital strategy.The three crucial truths behind integrating social media with in-person outreach.How "The Mirroring Strategy" maximizes your event’s reach and ROI.Actionable steps for capturing and sharing the most engaging moments from live events.The "three times echo rule" for squeezing maximum visibility out of every appearance.Which social media tools streamline creation and promotion for your practice.Real-life examples that break down before, during, and after event actions.How to encourage organic shares and trust-building content from the community.What key metrics to track to measure your ground marketing and social media success.Take your ground marketing efforts further—listen now and learn how to make every event live on digitally!‍‍Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:Website: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment‍For more helpful tips, strategies, ideas, and marketing advice, join my weekly newsletter here.The Dental Marketer Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2031814726927041‍

Does your practice lose good people faster than you can hire them? Effective onboarding could be the missing link transforming costly turnover into a thriving, loyal team. In this episode, we sit down with dental practice consultant Malika Azargoon to break down what truly effective onboarding looks like—why it matters, how to implement it, and the critical details too many practice owners miss.Malika shares a clear roadmap for getting new hires up to speed while building the kind of supportive culture that keeps staff engaged. Whether you run a pediatric or general dental office, Malika explains why every practice—no matter how experienced the hire—needs a structured process, from first-day “welcome moments” to scheduled feedback check-ins and mentorship. With actionable strategies for automation, personalized touches, and solving high-turnover headaches, this episode arms you with everything you need to boost retention, increase efficiency, and foster a team that sticks around.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why every dental practice—not just larger ones—needs a formal onboarding systemHow effective onboarding reduces costly staff turnover and boosts moraleThe step-by-step framework for integrating new hires in their first 90 daysStrategies for balancing automation and personalized connections in onboardingRed flags to watch for during early employment to address issues before they escalateMethods for maintaining onboarding consistency, even during leadership changesBest practices for sensitive staffing changes and transparent team communicationHow to use checklists and templates for a seamless onboarding experienceTactics for realigning hiring processes with your practice’s core valuesThe importance of thorough reference and background checks to prevent future issuesListen now to discover the onboarding tweaks that could save your dental practice time, money, and talent—starting today!‍‍The Pediatric Dental Marketing Course is open for enrollment!This comprehensive course, developed by Minal Sampat and myself, is tailored specifically for pediatric practice owners and their teams. It is designed to turn your pain points into stepping stones for success and to help you become the trusted dental home for countless children in your community. Head over to our site to enroll now! pediatricdentalmarketingcourse.com‍‍Guest: Malika AzargoonBusiness Name: Zar Dental ConsultingCheck out Malika's Media:‍Website: zardentalconsulting.comEmail: malika@zardentalconsulting.com‍Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!‍Host: Michael Arias‍Website: The Dental Marketer For more helpful tips, strategies, ideas, and marketing advice, join my weekly newsletter here.Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍p.s. Some links are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that we have experience with these products/companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money unless you feel you need them or that they will help you with your goals.